XIT Rodeo and Reunion in Dalhart
July 27, 2009 by Grace Sydney
Filed under Festivals: 08 August, News and Festivals
Stretching over 10 counties, the XIT Ranch was the pride of the Texas Panhandle in the late 19th century. Those glory days may be gone, but the spirit of this lost Lone Star treasure lives on in the townspeople’s annual ode.
Rodeo Events: The wranglers of the XIT Ranch would be proud of the cowboys who courageously enter the arena to test their talent in saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and wild cow milking events. Younger cowpokes also have a chance to show off their skills at the junior rodeo, which features flag racing, barrel racing, calf raiding and breakaway roping.
Parade: As kids clamor for the candy tosses toward spectators, a plethora of patriotic flags wave a welcome to the array of riders of horseback, floats, vintage vehicles and rodeo royalty during a parade which makes its way down Dalhart’s streets.
Music: Get ready for some boot-scootin’ boogie to the beat of the bevy of country and western bands that take the stage each evening at the Rita Blaca Coliseum.
Food: If you’ve rustled up an appetite after the day’s excitement, mosey over and get in the chow line for free food! Each evening patrons can partake of complimentary cuisine, with one evening set aside for watermelon, another for pork chops, and the final night features the world’s largest free barbecue!
Other Activities: Lace up your sneakers for a one-mile fun run, tap your feet at a fiddler’s contest and learn the history of one of the world’s most famous ranches during a tour of the XIT museum.
When: August 6 – 8, 2009
Where: Events take place at the XIT Rodeo Arena and the Rita Blaca Coliseum.
For more information:
- visit www.xit-rodeo.com
